BEING the son of a 202-game Essendon legend and two-time premiership coach comes with its fair share of expectation.
But Daniel Thompson is following in the footsteps of his father, Mark, in magnificent fashion.
The Aberfeldie defender made his first appearance in the EDFL sash last weekend and was the best performer for the Essendon District in the Interleague battle against the Eastern Football League.
Initially, the 23-year-old was unaware of being selected in the prestigious EDFL Interleague squad.
“I actually didn’t know I got selected until we went to training at Aberfeldie on the Tuesday night,” he said.
Thompson admits that it shocked him a little bit, but nonetheless, he was honoured to represent the league against the EFL.
At Bayswater, Thompson played a similar role to the role he’s been playing at Aberfeldie.
The defender played a crucial lock-down role on two of the EFL’s best forwards in Jake Best and Leigh Williams.
“I stuck pretty tight to them and tried not to let them kick any goals,” he said.
Thompson played his role to perfection, as he kept the EFL’s most dangerous forward, Williams, goalless in the second half.
Thanks to his robust defence, Thompson’s name was read out at the end of the match, and he found himself walking up to coach, Brodie Holland, who proudly wrapped the best-on-ground medal around his neck.
“I was actually shocked when my name got read out,” Thompson said.
“I thought Caleb Vearing played an awesome game and (Patrick) Rose, (Dean) Galea and (Jason) Williams kicked a few goals as well.
“I’m still a little surprised but it’s obviously really rewarding.”
Despite the gut-wrenching two-point loss, Thompson would willingly put his hand up to play again if he is fortunate enough to be selected.
Not only did he get to learn off some of the best players in the competition, but he was also rewarded with the opportunity to continue to develop his own game.
“Knowing that I can play in that game with some of the better players in the competition and play a role on one of the better players gives me a bit of confidence,” he said.
“Hopefully I can go back to Aberfeldie and take my game to another level.”
Although the EDFL fell just short on the day, Thompson’s game provided a high level of hope and promise for the future of the EDFL Interleague campaign.
